Job Reference Etiquette - Do I Need to Be Honest?

Question

A woman you work and socialize with is in the final interview phase for another job. She left you a voice-mail message asking if she could use you as a reference. Outside of work, the woman is a good friend. But her work ethics need improving, and you'd be hesitant to recommend hiring her. What to tell your friend?

1) Decline. And if she asks why, say you don't perform well on interviews -- even if they aren't your own. 2) Agree to it, then be honest when asked by her prospective employer about her work skills. 3) She probably won't get the job anyway, so agree to be used as a reference and then fib when asked about her skills.

Answer

The Correct answer: (2) Your best bet is to be honest and tactful. Be sure to tell the person who contacts you for the reference that you're a co-worker, not a supervisor. (In many cases, prospective employers prefer to question immediate supervisors rather than co-workers.) If you're still asked, avoid making judgment calls and don't volunteer negative information. Answer the particular questions you're asked, and if you have to give an unfavorable answer, be constructive.

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